BE SMART

This is a personal love affair that I have with this beauty. My last car was a Range Rover, before that I had a 5 Series BMW.

The Range did about 1 mile per gallon which at German gas prices is a killer (even for a compay car). But as it is with guys and cars the decision to buy a Range was not entirely rational. So when I had enough of it (and enough fun with it, I have to admit) I decided that now it was time to do something about my CO2 balance. So I bought a SMART. And I bought it fully loaded. Only thing it does not have is power steering (tough guy!) and a GPS (I only use it in town). It is a convertable and has the smallest Diesel engine on the market and it does about 60 mile per gallon in town. Now beat that!!

It has this funky semi automatic, no clutch but stick shift. It is fun to drive and once I am in it, I have more headspace than I had in the Range. I will probably have to drive it for the next 100 years to bring my CO2 balance back to neutral, but I am somehow looking forward to it.

SMART in the US in Fall of 2007 at a dealer next to you. From 14.000 US$

P.S. SMART is a Brand of Mercedes-Benz!

Ever dreamt of knockin out a call center agent?

I found the below article at forbes.com under “communication devices of the future” and automatically had to think about how I would use it. Just imagine how efficient call centers would perform if physical action would be possible to react to bad AND also to good service. Hug or punch the call center agent of your choice. That would certainly give the 3rd dimension back to the flat world!

Empathetic Communications
Sensitive, touchy-feely people need to communicate effectively, too. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon's Project on People and Robots have created The Hug, a multi sensory wireless phone and fuzzy pillow that lets people communicate using sensors, heating pads, gently buzzing motors and arrangements of lights while they carry on a telephone communication. The point of the Hug is to allow a physical interaction to carry over long distances, using the same technology that can carry data and voice.
The functionality of this device may seem pointless or even comical, but the underlying idea of using technology to communicate both emotionally and physically could lead to richer, more personal communications in the future.

TED An incredible think-tank conference

I came across this incredible site and thought this would probably add value to you as well.

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader.
The annual conference now brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes).

The site makes the best talks and performances from TED available to the public, for free. More than 100 talks from our archive are now available, with more added each week. These videos are released under a Creative Commons license, so they can be freely shared and reposted.
The TED mission: Spreading ideas. We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. So we're building here a clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world's most inspired thinkers, and also a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other. Over time, you'll see us add talks and performances from other events, and solicit submissions from you, as well. This site, launched April 2007, is an ever-evolving work in progress, and you're an important part of it. Have an idea? We want to hear from you.

The TED Conference, held annually in Monterey, is still the heart of TED. More than a thousand people now attend — indeed, the event sells out a year in advance — and the content has expanded to include science, business, the arts and all the big global issues facing our world. Over four days, 50 speakers each take an 18-minute slot, and there are many shorter pieces of content, including music, performance and comedy. There are no breakout groups. Everyone shares the same experience. It shouldn't work, but it does. It works because all of knowledge is connected. Every so often it makes sense to emerge from the trenches we dig for a living, and ascend to a 30,000-foot view, where we see, to our astonishment, an intricately interconnected whole.
In recent years, TED has spawned some important extensions.

TEDGlobal is a sister conference held every other year, and in a different country on each occasion. The first conference was held in Oxford, England, in 2005; the second, in June 2007, is to be held in Arusha, Tanzania. The themes of the global conference are slightly more focused on development issues, but the basic TED format is maintained.

TEDTalks began as a simple attempt to share what happens at TED with the world. Under the moniker "ideas worth spreading," talks were released online. They rapidly attracted a global audience in the millions. Indeed, the reaction was so enthusiastic that the entire TED website has been reengineered around TEDTalks, with the goal of giving everyone on-demand access to the world's most inspiring voices.

Today, TED is therefore best thought of as a global community. It's a community welcoming people from every discipline and culture who have just two things in common: they seek a deeper understanding of the world, and they hope to turn that understanding into a better future for us all.

Murphy's Law for Meeting Suppliers: Continued from Friday, June 8

A happy ending after all for the hedgehog!

It ended well after all. That's what we get paid for. No more busses broke down and the client was very happy with the services performed.
My conclusion:

It shows that you still need to be behind everything and everybody to make things seem to go flawless. This is why our philosophy when working with groups is just like the fairytale of the hare and the hedgehog of the brothers Grimm.
Problem solved

Murphy's Law for Meeting Suppliers: A true Fairytale

This is a little fairytale from meetingsland only that there is no happy end but more of a bitter ending. Meeting Planner who read this will probably have gone through the same ordeal but as it just happened to me very condensed over the last few days I thought I share it with you.

All names, locations and supplier names are of course fictional but who is interested in the real story just contact me.

We take care about a company sales incentive group of 60 of a foreign country. Everything is diligently planned, plans are written, detailed confirmations have been distributed to suppliers, to make it short, nothing can go wrong:

Airport: We see the bus, but it stops way off the pickup bay, we call the driver, the bus is too heavy (28 tons) to stop in the pickup parking bay (only 18 tons allowed), Why such a big bus for only 27 delegates? Not the drivers problem, complain to the dispatcher.
So we talk to the other bus drivers around find one who gives up his parking for a 28 tons bus because his group only arrives in 3 hours... Why did the bus driver not ask?
Problem solved

The 5 star deluxe hotel (which the client booked directly) refused to let us park 20 cars in front of the hotel for a group pickup. We talk to five different managers, we get it in writing that it is NOT possible. The next morning we sit together with the client and the hotel and the hotel agrees to allow the cars to be parked. (don't you love them when they make you look stupid?)
Problem solved

On the return transfer from the dinner the bus does not start, 8 participants push it, it starts, action games free of charge...
Problem solved

The next morning, another bus, same problem, it does not start, only this time we are on a tight schedule but fortunately have two busses, so fill one up, rest in cabs, and order new bus after lunch. It only happens every 15 years that two busses in a row break down, but who cares?
Problem solved

We discover by accident that the boat that we have rented for a canal cruise does no longer leave where it used to leave from 10 days ago! Maintenance on the canal made the location change necessary, but nobody bothered to inform us. Our contact was very sorry. Well, we found out ourselves.
Problem solved

It was planned to access a dinner location we will be using over a terrace, only by chance did we find out that the terrace was no longer existent as the municipal authorities had decided to convert the terrace into a street, fencing in our dinner location. Our contact knew it for days but did not bother to call us. He was sorry. Well, we found out ourselves.
Problem solved

The program will last for another two days so stay tuned for more excitement and my final conclusion to this fairytale.

United Nations GLOBAL COMPACT, a set of rules for the flat world

In a flat world a universal set of rules for business ethics and environental issues is of paramount importance. I feel that the below UN initiative could be that set of rules as it is not a superficial derivate developped by brainiacs but is based upon 10 principles that represent a global set of human values.

The Meetings Industry in particular as a truely global industry should be at the forefront of implementing the UN Compact.

What is the Global Compact?

In an address to the World Economic Forum on 31 January 1999, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, challenged business leaders to join an international initiative – the Global Compact – that would bring companies together with UN agencies, labour and civil society to support universal environmental and social principles. The Global Compact’s operational phase was launched at UN Headquarters in New York on 26 July 2000.

Today, thousands of companies from all regions of the world, international labour and civil society organizations are engaged in the Global Compact, working to advance ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption .
Through the power of collective action, the Global Compact seeks to promote responsible corporate citizenship so that business can be part of the solution to the challenges of globalisation. In this way, the private sector – in partnership with other social actors – can help realize the Secretary-General’s vision: a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.

The Global Compact is a purely voluntary initiative with two objectives:
-Mainstream the ten principles in business activities around the world
-Catalyse actions in support of UN goals

To achieve these objectives, the Global Compact offers facilitation and engagement through several mechanisms: Policy Dialogues, Learning, Country/Regional Networks, and Partnership Projects.

The Global Compact is not a regulatory instrument – it does not “ police”, enforce or measure the behavior or actions of companies. Rather, the Global Compact relies on public accountability, transparency and the enlightened self-interest of companies, labour and civil society to initiate and share substantive action in pursuing the principles upon which the Global Compact is based.


The Ten Principles

The Global Compact's ten principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption enjoy universal consensus and are derived from:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The International Labour Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption


The Global Compact asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of core values in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment, and anti-corruption:

Human Rights
Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Labour Standards
Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and
Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Environment
Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies
Anti-Corruption
Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

United Nations Global Compact, A MUST for the global Meeting Industry

In a flat world a universal set of rules for business ethics and environmental issues is of paramount importance. I feel that the below UN initiative could be that set of rules as it is not a superficial derivate developed by brainiacs but is based upon 10 principles that represent a global set of human values. The Meeting Industry in particular as a truly global industry should be at the forefront of implementing the UN Compact.



What is the Global Compact?


In an address to the World Economic Forum on 31 January 1999, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, challenged business leaders to join an international initiative – the Global Compact – that would bring companies together with UN agencies, labour and civil society to support universal environmental and social principles. The Global Compact’s operational phase was launched at UN Headquarters in New York on 26 July 2000.



Today, thousands of companies from all regions of the world, international labour and civil society organizations are engaged in the Global Compact, working to advance ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption .


Through the power of collective action, the Global Compact seeks to promote responsible corporate citizenship so that business can be part of the solution to the challenges of globalisation. In this way, the private sector – in partnership with other social actors – can help realize the Secretary-General’s vision: a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.


The Global Compact is a purely voluntary initiative with two objectives:
- Mainstream the ten principles in business activities around the world
- Catalyse actions in support of UN goals


To achieve these objectives, the Global Compact offers facilitation and engagement through several mechanisms: Policy Dialogues, Learning, Country/Regional Networks, and Partnership Projects. The Global Compact is not a regulatory instrument – it does not “ police”, enforce or measure the behaviour or actions of companies. Rather, the Global Compact relies on public accountability, transparency and the enlightened self-interest of companies, labour and civil society to initiate and share substantive action in pursuing the principles upon which the Global Compact is based.



The Ten Principles


The Global Compact's ten principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption enjoy universal consensus and are derived from:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The International Labour Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption


The Global Compact asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of core values in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment, and anti-corruption:


Human Rights
Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
Labour Standards
Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and
Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Environment
Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies
Anti-Corruption
Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

Ich bin ein Berliner, JFK 1963 in Berlin, NOW back in town

JFK has left an ever lasting positive impression on the Berliners of yesterday and today. When he visited the divided city of Berlin in 1963 only a few months before he was assassinated his statement "Ich bin ein Berliner" left the city reassured that he would not give in to the Soviet pressure of that time.

Even though the lectern from behind which he addressed the thousands of people still exists today at the Schöneberg City Hall, nothing of value did commemorate that visit until this year.
The Kennedys is a neat small little museum directly at Pariser Platz opposite the Brandenburg Gate and perfectly designed to spend 30 min. to one hour on the trail of JFK, his family and of course his visit to Berlin in 1963.

Mary Power, CAE, the P in CMP, leaves CIC

Whoever hat personally met Mary will agree with me that energy has but one name:
Mary Power.

I read today that Mary has resigned from the CIC.

She has been raising the profile and performance of the Convention Industry Council (CIC) over a seven year tenure as President.

During that time, CIC reserves have grown from $224,000 to $900,000, and the prestigious Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) industry certification program has swelled from 2,000 credentialed individuals in three countries to over 12,000 CMPs in 34 countries today.

Mary has also overseen the creation of the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) initiative, which is developing voluntary standards for the industry in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness.

I am sure that my friend Beate Ewing who is on the CMP Board together with all other Board members will keep the CMP program growing.

Certified Meeting Professional, Bridging the Atlantic

In April at the IMEX in Frankfurt my colleague of p’concept Andreas Laube and I successfully took the exam offered by the Convention Industry Council (CIC) in order to receive the designation of a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).

The requirements for this certification are based on professional experience and a written examination. In order to qualify for the application process one needs to prove his long-term experience in the field of meeting management and that he is responsible and accountable for the successful execution of meetings.

Once accepted, the preparation for the examination, lasting four hours with 165 questions, starts. As part of their preparation Gerrit and Andreas decided to participate in three CMP Study weekends, offered through the MPI Germany Chapter.

The CMP designation recognizes meeting managers who have achieved the industry's highest standard of professionalism. It was established in 1985 aiming to increase the proficiency of meeting professionals in any component or sector of the industry.

A successful examinee gains industry-wide recognition by achieving the CMP designation. We aimed for the CMP designation because of the widespread acceptance of the CMP designation in the US meetings market.

The elite CMP community now numbers over 12,000, with representatives from every sector of the industry - from corporations and associations to governmental and institutional organizations - in 32 countries.

EPIC 2015 and the Gutenberg invention

What is most impressing I find with the Vision of EPIC 2015 (google it and watch this 7 min. film on an incredible digital vision) is that paper print which is currently seen as obsolete and even harmful for the environment will end as the communications platform for the future elites AND the elderly. So besides all the positive effects the digital revolution has flattening the 21st century Gutenberg's invention of printing will remain. Printing was an elite thing when he invented it some 500 years ago, it became the mass communication tool over centuries, it has been conquered by pixels within a decade and will return to the communications tool for elites in the near future.